Urban Dog Run Etiquette

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, dog parks are the most accessible spot for humans and dogs to interact off-leash. NYC boasts 84 public dog runs, all of which have a basic set of rules posted by the entrances. For the most part, follow those rules and you’re all set! If you want to be a good neighbor, then don’t be afraid to go the extra mile. The dog parks are maintained by community members and volunteers–people who want everyone and their dogs to have a good time!

The Basics

Pick up your dog’s poop. Even though it’s a park and not a sidewalk, it’s still unsanitary. If you know your dog pooped but can’t find it, picking up a stray poop in the park restores karmic balance.

Keep toys simple and be prepared to share. One good communal toy option is the tennis ball, or its more durable alternative the rubber Chuck-It ball. Tug toys are also a solid pick–dogs can play with each other or with humans. High-value toys that squeak, dispense food, or hold some sentimental value should stay home. Some dogs resource guard and start fights over toys. It is best for these dogs to avoid the dog run and work with a certified trainer. If you see tension rising between two dogs over a toy, don’t be afraid to remove the toy safely and defuse the situation.

Enter and exit using the safety gates. When you enter a dog park, you’ll note that there are two layers of gates. For safety purposes, only one gate should be open at a time. First, enter through the outside gate, shut it behind you, and remove your dog’s leash in the holding area. Then open the inner gate, enter the dog park, and close the gate.

Reserve treats for your own pup. No matter how much the rest beg! It is fine to give treats with the owner’s permission and, used correctly, they reinforce good behavior in the run. Some dogs have food allergies or intolerances and cannot be given certain treats. Food in the dog run must be handled carefully to avoid fights or resource guarding incidents. Always monitor your dog and other dogs, and refrain from bringing treats in if they seem to be causing stress. If you aren't sure how to do this or how to tell if other dogs are stressed, sign up for a group class so we can teach you (and avoid bringing treats to the run until you fully understand how to use them safely)!

Keep your hands to yourself. Unless the dog says otherwise! It is acceptable (and encouraged) to pet a dog that wants attention. Correcting or grabbing another person’s dog without permission is not okay.

The No-No’s

No dogs in heat! Even neutered males can behave differently around a female in season. And you never know which male puppy is on the cusp of puberty.

All dogs over 6 months of age are technically supposed to be neutered or spayed. There is no enforcement of this rule, but NYC dog parks display this rule prominently by the entrance.

Monitor your children. Kids are allowed in dog parks, but must be accompanied by an adult and remain seated. Not all dogs are comfortable with children. Even friendly dogs can knock a small child down by accident. 

No human food. The dog park is not a picnic location. Eat lunch before you come.

Respect your human neighbors. Some amount of barking is normal and fine; the dog park gives dogs an outlet for certain behaviors we deem inappropriate indoors. However, incessant barking should be redirected using reward-based training before it becomes a nuisance and creates issues in the dog run’s management.

Keeping Your Dog Safe and Healthy

Be present. Put your phone away (unless you’re taking pics). Chatting with other dog owners is lots of fun–just don’t forget to keep an eye on your pup throughout.

Perform a bully test. If you aren’t sure if your dog is enjoying themselves, pull them out of play for a few seconds and see if they’re eager to re-engage. If they are–great! Let them go. If they take the opportunity to rest or find another playmate, then congratulate yourself for stepping in.

Be mindful of size and play differences. Play styles are highly individual. Some dogs love to chase but hate wrestling; some small dogs love to rough house with big dogs. Some big dogs self-handicap to accommodate their tiny playmates. Make sure everyone is adapting to each other and enjoying themselves! Sometimes a dog may not be able to find a compatible buddy at the dog park. That’s okay! Just come back another day and try again.

Identify points of conflict. Entering the dog park can be a chaotic moment as the dogs mob the newcomer. It’s best to have your dog off-leash for this initial greeting. If you know your dog needs a slower greeting, enter the dog park during calmer times. Dogs also like to duck under or on top of benches as a way of requesting space. Make sure your dog is respecting their wishes and letting their friends take a quick recess before resuming play.

Bring your own water bowl. There’s no getting around it–dog parks are pretty dirty. The communal water bowl with its stagnant water, flavored by the saliva of every dog that’s entered the place, breeds bacteria non-stop. Bring your own bowl or rinse and refill the communal bowl whenever your dog needs a drink.

Trust your instincts. If you don’t like the behavior of a dog or their owner, it’s best to disengage and return another time. It’s okay to point out a rule break politely, but our responsibilities as community members don’t include law enforcement.

Giving Back

Although the city’s public dog runs are technically overseen by the Parks Department, they are maintained by community members. As department spokesperson Anessa Hodgson states, “The key to a successful dog run is 100% about the community and friends groups that program and maintain these spaces. Without a friends group that advocates for a dog run we do not even begin the process of planning to add one, because we know that they are more effective when there are committed community members working to upkeep these areas." The Parks Department is responsible for removing trash and fixing broken things. The rest is up to everyone who uses the dog run. Responsibilities can be as simple as keeping the dog park clean. Rinse out water bowls and any communal bowls. Remove disintegrating toys, especially ones that could be swallowed by a dog. And of course, pick up any waste you see. If your dog loves to dig, don’t forget to fill those holes back up before you leave. They can create tripping hazards for dogs and humans alike. Most parks have a donation area where you can drop off toys, bowls, pools, etc.  And finally, if you want to get more involved, the parks all have a group chat or message board that you can join. Fundraising groups brainstorm ideas to help generate the money needed for paw-safe substrates, replace inadequate fencing, or other necessities. Whether the dog park is a special occasion or part of your dog’s daily routine, there’s no doubt that it depends on all of us to keep it a fun, safe, and clean place for your dog to run and play.